Library, D11 Partner Up for 'Powerful' Information Access

PowerPass gives students access to homework help, college application assistance, and more

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – How did anyone ever get through school before the internet?

It’s a question students in District 11 will certainly not need to answer this year, thanks to a new partnership between Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11).

As of the 2019-2020 school year, every student in D11 has a PowerPass, a digital PPLD card. The PowerPass gives students access to PPLD’s digital resources, like databases, eBooks, and song and movie downloads, all available at ppld.org. Each PowerPass holder can also check out five physical items at a time from any of the 14 PPLD locations or mobile library services.

“We are very excited about the PowerPass as an enrichment opportunity for our students,” said D11 public information officer, Devra Ashby. “Through this partnership with PPLD, our students can enhance their educational experiences with a wealth of resources and information.”

High school and middle school students can use their PowerPass for online access to live tutors and online foreign language courses. They can also get help with projects and prepare for the future with practice driving and SAT tests. Elementary students and their parents will benefit from kid-friendly eBook and audiobook access, digital education resources, and in-person classes at PPLD to learn how to write, draw, code, or use makerspace equipment.

“Thanks to this partnership, our Library District will be able to better support the academic success of all D11 students while also encouraging lifelong learning and literacy,” said PPLD chief communications officer Michelle Ray. “We’re thrilled to expand our access to information and resources in this way, so more kids and teens can reach their personal best in school and life.”

Learn more about the PowerPass at ppld.org/PowerPass.

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Contact Information:

  • Devra Ashby, Public Information Officer
    Colorado Springs School District 11
    719.520-2286 | devra.ashby@d11.org
  • Kayah Swanson, Public Relations Specialist
    Pikes Peak Library District
    719.930.0225 | kswanson@ppld.org

Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) seeks to engage and transform people’s lives by providing equitable access to information, enrichment opportunities, and community connections via 14 facilities, online resources, and mobile library services. It is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 650,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo.

Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) is the longest standing school district in southern Colorado and serves a student population of over 26,000 in preschool through 12th grades. The D11 mission is, “We dare to empower the whole student to profoundly impact our world.” Our vision is, “We are a dynamic, collaborative community of energized educators, engaged students and supportive partners with a passion for continuous learning.”

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